Talking with Humans

Tuesday and Wednesday, each week, we post a prompt on a sandwich board to help students dive into conversation beyond, "how was your weekend?"  Witnessing the depth and connection in the conversations that follow, I was invited to offer a forum with Good Samaritan Episcopal Church.  That forum highlighted the vital role that meaningful conversations play in strengthening both community and faith. The Rev. Paul Klitze and I  emphasized that honest, respectful dialogue creates space for people to share experiences, listen deeply, and encounter perspectives different from their own. In a time when discussions are often rushed or polarized, the forum underscored the spiritual value of slowing down, asking thoughtful questions, and being fully present with one another. These practices, participants noted, are not only tools for better communication but also expressions of Christian love and hospitality.

The forum also stressed that engaging in meaningful conversations is an act of kindness and commitment. By choosing dialogue over silence or division, individuals help build trust and foster understanding within the congregation and beyond it. Attendees were encouraged to carry these conversations into their daily lives—at home, at work, and in the wider community—as a way of living out their faith. Ultimately, the forum affirmed that when people listen with intention and speak with compassion, conversations can become powerful catalysts for healing, connection, and shared purpose.

Many thanks to Good Sam for their partnership and continued support of campus ministry!